Homebuyers

Shopping for a Home - Infographic

When on the hunt for your dream home, know what to look for when getting a sense of the property’s overall condition before you make an offer.

1. Interior and Exterior Checklist

Interior

• Flooring, windows, and ceilings
  • Check and make note of the age and condition of flooring, windows, and ceilings – this can be used to plan for any renovations or updates the house may need.
• Walls
  • Is there any damage to the drywall or plaster? Are there any stains or bubbles in the paint that may indicate water damage? Will they need repainting?
• Bathrooms and Kitchens
  • Check to see if fixtures are free of rust, mold, and mildew and don’t leak. Turn on faucets to make sure the water runs clear after a few seconds. There should be plenty of storage and cabinet space. Check fans, and lights, and flush the toilet to make sure it functions properly.
• Bedrooms
  • Is there enough natural lighting? Are the floors even? Check windows for proper alignment to see if they open/close properly. Does the home have smoke detectors installed?
• Stairs
  • Do they creak or show any sign of damage? Is the banister tight and secure?
• Doors
  • Do they open and close smoothly? Is there warping or water damage? Do locks and doorbells work? Is there weatherproofing?
• Systems
  • Have all systems evaluated? These include electrical, HVAC (heating/air-conditioning/ventilation), security, plumbing, irrigation, and sewer. Is everything up to date? Hire a qualified home inspector to evaluate everything before purchasing.

Exterior

• Roof
  • Make sure there is no sagging roof line, discoloration, or holes that may cause leaking.
• Foundation, driveway, and pool
  • Check for any damage in the foundation, driveway, and pool by looking for visible cracks, uneven pavement, sloping, or leaks.
• Siding
  • Is the paint peeling? Are there any cracks or splits?
• Landscaping and curb appeal
  • Are trees, lawns, fencing, and walkways in good condition?
• Garage
  • Whether it is manual or electronic, make sure it can be easily opened and the remote system is working.
• Patio and/or deck
  • Are they solid, in good condition, and free of warping, damage, or cracks?
• Pests
  • Check for signs of infestation from termites, mosquitoes, ants, mice, or roaches.

2. General Tips

• Activate email alerts for daily reminders and information on houses you’ve been looking at or houses you should consider.
• Utilize a digital calendar to help organize your house hunting. This tool is especially useful when working with an agent because it allows you to coordinate meeting times easily. It also helps you and your agent be on the same page when it’s time for open houses.
• Take photos to remember what your favorite and not-so-favorite parts are.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes if you will be shopping for long periods.
• Ask about any known damages or home history